Instatraction

This could be the first time I’ve coined a new word. I doubt it will catch on, but there you are. When life deals you a few negatives it’s important to recognise a rare positive.

October did indeed turn out to be a testing time. The promotion was a disaster. I had my lowest return in downloads for eighteen months. Added to that my sales figures fell off the edge of a cliff. Many theories were spread on social media to explain the drop and it was reassuring (almost) to learn I wasn’t the only writer to suffer the same fate.

As I understand it, Amazon made a raft of changes, they switched servers and odd scraps of data went missing for a while as they got up to speed. Some authors found their eBook data was 100% intact, but overnight they were no longer offering a paperback version. Rather than tell everyone there might be a problem, Amazon chose to wait for those affected to shout.

My attempts at producing fresh covers wasn’t successful. I managed to create 12 new covers, but experts advised me against making the switch. They still screamed ‘amateur; so, I’m searching through Thriller pre-made covers for a themed approach to The Phoenix series. (I have selected 10 out of 12 at time of writing).

Last month I updated my genre family & keyword data. In the first two weeks of October I re-wrote the ‘blurbs’ for the 12 books in the series. I was looking for more impact. I’m happier than I was before. It remains to be seen whether they work with the new covers when they arrive.

I’ve scheduled a promotion for the 12th November. The last time I used Riffle Books (for the Box Set) it generated 1500 downloads. I’m praying for a similar result on ‘The Olympus Project’.

When I opened my Instagram account I posted book-related images and backed them up with humorous pics. In October, I added two dozen hashtags to every image & POW! I suddenly got traction. Loads of likes. Loads of Profile visits and new followers at a steady rate. It’s the only flower in bloom in my window box at present.

We’ve been there before. Nil desperandum. When the new covers are ready, I’ll have a ‘new look’ to plug across all of my social media accounts. The New Year promises to be busy. The only way is The Phoenix way. Onwards and upwards.

If you want to join my select mailing list, why not join The Phoenix Club? Newsletter (#31) will be circulated very soon.